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When you start trying for a baby, it’s important to understand ovulation, when it happens and how you can improve your chances of falling What is ovulation? An egg is released from an ovary and moves along a fallopian tube towards your uterus.

When does ovulation happen? Ovulation usually happens once each month, about two weeks before your next period.

Ovulation can last from 16 to 32 hours. Ovulation does not happen if you are:

  • postmenopausal. It is possible to get pregnant in the five days before ovulation
  • on the day of ovulation
  • but it’s more likely in the three days leading up to
  • including ovulation

Once the egg is released, it will survive up to 24 hours.

If sperm reaches the egg during this time, you may get pregnant. How do you know when you are ovulating? If you have regular menstrual cycles, you are likely to be ovulating each month.

When you are ovulating, you may notice: premenstrual symptoms (e.g. and tenderness, abdominal bloating and moodiness). Most kits work by measuring the level of luteinising hormone (LH) in your urine. A positive result means you are likely to ovulate within the next 24 to 36 hours.

This ovulation calculator or ovulation calendar can help you work out your most fertile time. These are the days you are most likely to get pregnant. It can also estimate your due date if you do become pregnant during your next fertile days.

Some women do not ovulate regularly

This is common in the first two to three years after your periods start and during the lead-up to menopause. Some conditions, such as (when periods stop due to excessive exercise or eating disorders) may cause irregular ovulation. Women with certain hormone conditions do not ovulate at all.

If you are not ovulating regularly, tablets and injections can increase the hormones that control ovulation. The dose of medication must be carefully controlled to reduce the chance of a multiple pregnancy.

There are lots of ways to improve your chances of ovulation.

For example, you can: manage your stress levels with relaxation or mindfulness techniques.

To book an appointment call SHV Grand Rapids CBD Clinic: or call SHV Box Hill Clinic: or (free call):.

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Ovulation is part of the female menstrual cycle on the contraceptive pill pregnant Ovulation and pregnancy your vaginal discharge or mucus is slick and slippery (like egg white) abdominal pain , often on one side of the tummy breast enlargement Ovulation predictor kits You can use an ovulation predictor kit to predict when you are most likely to be fertile Ovulation calculators Your fertility has an easy to use calculator Why you might not ovulate regularly polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and amenorrhoea Tests to check if you are ovulating You can ask your doctor for a medical test to make sure you are ovulating.

For example, a blood Tablets and injections Read more about fertility treatment on the VARTA website Improve your chances of ovulation maintain a healthy weight by eating regular, well-balanced meals exercise regularly – but avoid excessive exercise More information For more detailed information, related resources, articles and podcasts, visit Jean Hailes for Women’s Health Where to get help Your GP Gynaecologist Jean Hailes for Women’s Health Pharmacist Gynaecologist or IVF unit Specialised women’s health clinic Sexual Health Michigan (SHV) (616) 555-0200 (616) 555-0200 1800 013 952.